At this moment, it feels like the only competition Redmi Note 10 Pro Max has is the Redmi Note 10 Pro which comes with exactly the same features, apart from a 64-megapixel main camera.
Xiaomi has tried to introduce ‘flagship killers’ in the past. We all know how that went. It might have finally got one without realising or at least claiming to. The Redmi Note series is known for pushing the limits in the budget category and bringing high-end specifications at a bargain price. The Redmi Note 10 Pro Max further push the boundaries by entering the mid-range category where it will compete against the OnePlus Nord, Vivo V20 and Xiaomi’s own Mi 10i. Needless to say, the Redmi Note 10 Pro Max is the biggest overall upgrade on a Redmi Note smartphone. It has improved in almost all departments over last year’s Redmi Note 9 Pro Max. The smartphone comes with an AMOLED display,120Hz refresh rate panel, a 108-megapixel primary camera and an all-new design. Yet, Xiaomi has managed to keep the price under Rs 20,000, at least for two variants. At this moment, it feels like the only competition Redmi Note 10 Pro Max has is the Redmi Note 10 Pro which comes with exactly the same features, apart from a 64-megapixel main camera but is priced Rs 3,000 less for each variant. So, should you go for the Note 10 Pro Max or look to save few bucks? It’s time to find out. Let’s start with the biggest talking point of the Redmi Note 10 Pro Max it’s camera. The Redmi Note series, in the past, democratised the 48-megapixel and 64-megapixel sensors by introducing them on the Note series. It has done the same with the 108-megapixel lens. The Redmi Note 10 Pro Max is now the most affordable smartphone in India to feature a 108MP main camera, beating the Mi 10i by a slight margin. The main lens is assisted by a second 8-megapixel ultra-wide-angle camera, a third 5-megapixel macro camera, and a fourth 2-megapixel depth sensor. The camera app has enough options to keep photography enthusiasts occupied. The standard options include Photo, Video, Portrait, Pro and Night modes. Interestingly, the option to enable the 108MP option is not on the main menu and has to be selected from ‘More’ window where other camera modes are listed. The main camera is the star of the show. It is actually surreal and impressive at the same time to see a phone under Rs 20,000 perform so well. The detailing and colour accuracy on the main lens is simply outstanding. The auto-focus is quick, subjects are usually sharp and the sensor manages to capture decent number of details. The only aspect I wasn’t very convinced about was the skin tones which lack sharpness and have a hue of red added to them. You can even zoom into the image samples to see the blurred strands of my beard or the lack of sharpness around the forehead. The portrait shots are largely good, except mediocre edge detection at times. What steals the thunder from the main camera though, is the really impressive macro lens. Xiaomi has used a macro lens with 2X zoom which means you can get macro shots even from a distance. That’s a relief from someone like me who is still getting used to of utilising the macro lens in the best way possible and also, doesn’t have steady hands. The Redmi Note 10 Pro Max’s macro camera captures the tiniest piece of details to stitch together some very good images. The Night Mode is also very good. In fact, it’s a lot more effective than on the most affordable Redmi Note 10.
